The Metter Police Department and Candler County Sheriff's Office distributed the following joint press release Thursday morning, September 23, 2021:
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"On Thursday, September 8, 2021, the Metter Police Department took a report for harassment of a minor after it was reported that a child had been harassed online by an unknown person. Based on the report, an investigation was launched by the Metter Police Department, Candler County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and the FBI. During the investigation, it was discovered that a person(s) unknown targeted children in our area through social media accounts and by illegally accessing Candler County School email accounts. Law enforcement officials worked closely with the Candler County School System and discovered the person(s) responsible had illegal access to the Candler County School email system. Swift action was taken by the Candler County School System and the person(s) responsible access was denied.
"Law enforcement continues to investigate the incident and have possibly identified person(s) responsible for the incident. Local law enforcement is currently working with State and Federal partners to further investigate the incident. The investigation has yet to yield credible intelligence that there is any threat to the community. Local law enforcement encourages parents to closely monitor their child’s social media activity and if they are contacted by anyone acting in a strange or harassing manner to immediately contact their local law enforcement agency. The Metter Police and the Candler County Sheriff’s Office can be contacted by calling dispatch at 912-685-2899."